Medical Services

When a hole forms in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, usually in the small intestine, colon, or stomach, this phenomenon is called intestinal perforation. This medical emergency lets bacteria, stool, and digestive fluids leak into the peritoneal cavity, which spreads infection throughout the body. It comes from injuries, ulcers, or inflammation, and if not treated, the risk of death goes up.
What causes

• Trauma or Procedures: Stab wounds, blunt force injuries, or iatrogenic injury from colonoscopy or endoscopy.

• Inflammatory Conditions: Diverticulitis, appendicitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis can make the walls weaker.

• Obstruction/Ischaemia: Blockages caused by tumours, impacted faeces, or less blood flow; gastric ulcers and cancer all play a role.

Forceful vomiting or NSAIDs make the dangers worse.

Signs
Sudden, severe stomach pain spreads quickly, followed by stiffness and soreness. Nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, a rapid heartbeat, and shock all happen. Later, distension, quiet bowel sounds, and less urine and stool output are signs of peritonitis.
Diagnosis and Treatment

CT scans and X-rays are examples of imaging tests that can find free air. Antibiotics fight sepsis, while surgery fixes the wound, takes out infected tissue, and drains abscesses. Early treatment increases chances of survival, whereas delays can cause multiple organ failure.